3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick, high-protein snack or breakfast option made with simple ingredients. They require no rising time and can be baked in the oven or air fryer to achieve a golden, savory crust. Perfect for healthy sandwiches or enjoyed plain, these bagels are easy to make, versatile, and freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or see flour alternatives note)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
Egg Wash & Toppings
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack on the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Mix & Knead Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the self-rising flour. Stir until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it 8-10 times until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-7 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. Connect the ends tightly to form classic bagel shapes, pinching the seams to seal them.
- Egg Wash & Season: Brush the tops of each bagel with the beaten egg to create a glossy, golden crust. Sprinkle your choice of toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once baked, allow the bagels to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Air Fryer Option: If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Spray the basket with nonstick spray, place the shaped bagels inside, and air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- If substituting self-rising flour with all-purpose or whole wheat flour, add 2 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic rising properties.
- For a gluten-free version, use 1 cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and 2 teaspoons baking powder.
- Store bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze bagels for up to 4 months. Slice before freezing to make toasting easier directly from frozen.
- This recipe yields four medium-sized bagels, ideal for a high-protein snack.
- The egg wash helps achieve a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for an egg-free option; however, the crust may be less glossy.
Keywords: cottage cheese bagels, high protein bagels, quick bagel recipe, healthy breakfast, 3-ingredient bagels, oven bagels, air fryer bagels, easy bagels, gluten-free bagel alternative
